Detectives from the Major Drug Squad (MDS) have seized more than 6,000 cannabis plants in one of the largest busts in Victoria’s recent history. The operation took place in regional Victoria, where police uncovered a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set-up valued at over $26 million.
On the morning of Tuesday, 22 October, officers from the MDS, supported by the Morwell Divisional Response Unit and local uniformed officers, executed a search warrant at a rural property on Koonwarra Inverloch Road in Leongatha South. Upon entering the premises, police discovered several commercial-sized greenhouses filled with cannabis plants, ranging from seedlings to fully mature specimens. The total weight of the plants was estimated at 1.7 tonnes.
Five individuals—four men and one woman, all Vietnamese nationals aged between 25 and 54—were arrested at the scene. They have since been charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis. The accused were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 7 March 2025.
Major Drug Squad Detective Acting Inspector Leemara Fairgrieve highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “This is one of the most significant and complex cannabis hydroponic set-ups we have seen in recent times. Drugs are a major driver of crime, and this investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to combatting the illicit substances trade in Victoria.”
The seizure is seen as a major victory in the ongoing fight against organized drug crime in the region, underscoring Victoria Police’s focus on reducing the harmful impact of drugs on local communities.